Erica Martin Richards, M.D., Ph.D.
It’s true that everyone experiences temporary periods of sadness, and times of worry and nervousness. But what about when those feelings won’t go away? Too often, women of color try to muscle their way through depression and anxiety on their own says Erica Richards, chair and medical director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Sibley Memorial Hospital. This can be a mistake: What you really need is someone to help you sort out what you’re going through and to provide support and treatment options.
There’s no replacement for the help you can get from a mental health professional. But, you can also safeguard your emotional health through these self-care practices:
- Get good rest: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep destabilizes your mood, making everything you do less effective.
- Move more: Exercise 30 minutes every day for better health and a boost of feel-good endorphins that can help some people manage or prevent depression symptoms.
- Eat well: A healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, and protein keeps energy levels steady, helping you better manage the ups and downs of your day.
Read this informative article HERE.